In this episode, Scott sits down with Kate Lopatowski, an experienced show caller and stage manager in the world of corporate events. The conversation focuses on demystifying what a show caller actually does, highlighting how their role is pivotal for seamlessly executing all the technical cues (from lighting changes, cueing presenters, to rolling video, managing graphics, etc.) that make up a live corporate production. Kate also shares insights into her process; emphasizing the importance of flexibility, clear communication with the crew, and adapting to last-minute changes. She describes the value of early rehearsal and preparation, and she advocates for the use of offline rehearsal rooms, which help presenters and technical teams to work efficiently and minimize on-stage delays. The discussion shifts to the differences between using a teleprompter and Presentation Notes to the evolution of the show caller’s toolkit, to the need for redundancy and preparation in case technology fails. There’s a lighter side, too—like the tradition of “show bacon,” which has become a backstage morale-booster, and some of the stranger technical cues Kate Lopatowski has been asked to call (Take “Strike the children” for instance— context provided, of course!). The episode wraps up with mutual appreciation for the hard work and attitude it takes to make live events successful, and the team spirit that makes it all worthwhile.
GUEST BIO:
Kate Lopatowski has over 25 years executing successful large-scale meetings and events for Fortune 500 companies including AbbVie, McDonald's, Intel, and Cadillac. With a degree in television production and broadcast news background, she specializes in live events. Her positive attitude, professionalism, and interpersonal communication skills create productive working relationships with clients and crews alike.
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ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:
Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.
Learn more at nomorebadevents.com.
ABOUT THE HOST:
A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.
As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?
Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com
PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:
When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.
eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote, and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.
The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.
Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.
Learn more at eSpeakers.com.
SHOW CREDITS:
Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com
Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | jheaps@eSpeakers.com